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Today's Opinions

Memorial Day may be the unofficial kick-off to summer, but as we ready for the upcoming holiday weekend, it is vital that we never forget it is much more than that. It is also a time when we as a nation pause to mourn and to reflect upon those men and women who paid the ultimate price defending our freedom.

The holiday is nearing its 150th anniversary, and given that it came about in the wake of the Civil War, it seems appropriate that there is still some debate between the North and South about its exact origin.

I’m accustomed now to critics’ misleading statements about the Affordable Care Act, but a recent editorial in this newspaper was so breathtakingly disingenuous that it demands a factual response. That a newspaper of this size would trot out such unsubstantiated tripe disguised as analysis is a disservice to its readers.

In February 2011, I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and my story all began with a skin cancer on my nose. Dr. Timothy Brown, my dermatologist, suspected leukemia as he examined the slides from the cancer he removed. The cells were abnormal and he quickly ordered additional blood work.

I admit I was skeptical at first and thought the doctor was crazy. My wife pushed me to have the blood work done there in Dr. Brown’s lab the next day and I was given the horrific results. My platelet counts were so low that I could have bled out at any time.

I challenge candidates to remove political signs within five days of the May 20 primary election. Only a few campaigns will have November general election opposition. Let’s give those signs a rest as well.

I suggest a summer of clean highway right-of ways and yards with general election signs returning no sooner than after Labor Day weekend. We all are looking forward to seeing our beautiful scenic byways again.

This letter is my personal endorsement for Russell McCoy for the position of Sheriff in LaRue County.

In the last 20 years, I have witnessed Russell in many roles, a deputy sheriff, an employee of Phelps Heating and Cooling, an employee of Sunrise Manor Nursing Home, a volunteer fire fighter, a husband and a father. I can assure you he has served each position well.

While I am not a resident of LaRue County, my mother and father, the late Lynn Connie Chelf and Mary Chelf, both resided in LaRue County the majority of their lives. They were very fortunate to have a neighbor who provided as much love and compassion for them as any family member could have. His name is Tommy Turner.

I attended the City Council hearing for Mayor Terry Cruse on May 1. When the meeting was adjourned, I approached the mayor. He addressed me as “Dear.” I am not – nor have I ever been nor would I ever be – one of his “Dears.”

I asked him not to address me in that manner. I continued by asking him to “Man up and stop embarrassing himself and the city, admit to what he had done and accept his punishment.” He informed me that he had done nothing wrong.